The Texas legation in Washington, D.C.,
headed by a Minister Plenipotentiary, conducted diplomacy between the Republic of
Texas and the United States. Records of the legation document that diplomatic
business, consisting of correspondence (272 items) and an index, dating 1835-1839,
1841, 1843-1845, and undated, bulk 1836-1839. Subjects include U.S. recognition of
Texas independence, proposals for annexation of Texas to the U.S., boundary issues,
Native Americans, the slave trade, relations with Mexico (including the repudiated
public and secret Treaties of Velasco), the Texas Navy, financial arrangements for
loans, bonds, queries regarding land claims, emigration plans, news of relatives
supposedly in Texas, etc.

Quantity:

4.75 cubic ft. (272
items)

Language:

These materials are written predominately in English with scattered Spanish throughout.

In 19th-century diplomacy, a legation was a diplomatic representative office lower
than an embassy. Whereas an embassy was headed by an Ambassador, a legation was
headed by an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. The distinction
between a legation and an embassy was gradually dropped following World War II.

The history of the Republic of Texas legation to the United States began informally
in late 1835 with the appointment of Stephen F. Austin, Branch T. Archer, and
William H. Wharton as commissioners to the United States to seek U.S. help for the
Texas Revolution. After the Texian victory at San Jacinto in April 1836, and the
ratification of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas in September 1836, the
people of Texas overwhelmingly voted to seek annexation to the United States of
America. Texas President Sam Houston appointed Wharton as Minister Plenipotentiary
to the U.S. in November 1836 (heading the Texas Legation in Washington, D.C.), to
gain U.S. recognition of Texas's independence and hopefully also annexation to the
United States. Wharton held conferences with U.S. Secretary of State John Forsyth,
U.S. congressmen, and President Andrew Jackson. Wharton resigned February 28, 1837,
and Memucan Hunt (who had been named Minister Extraordinary in December 1836) took
his place as Minister Plenipotentiary. The U.S. recognized Texas independence on
March 3, 1837. After a formal presentation of the subject of annexation to the U.S.
on August 4, 1837, the proposal was hotly debated in the U.S. Congress, opposed
mainly by those against slavery. Hunt did manage to negotiate a boundary convention
with the U.S., signed on April 25, 1838. Peter Wagener Grayson initially declined
appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary to replace Hunt in June 1838, then accepted,
but ended up committing suicide in Tennessee on the trip to Washington (July 1838).
Anson Jones replaced Hunt by August 1838, and Hunt became Secretary of the Texas
Navy in December 1838. Jones withdrew the annexation offer at Houston's request on
October 2, 1838, and the Texas Senate approved of the withdrawal on January 23,
1839.

(Although these Legation records essentially end in February 1839, additional records
of the Republic of Texas legation in Washington, D.C. are found in the Andrew
Jackson Houston collection at the Texas State Archives. What follows is a history of
the legation for that later period.)

Mirabeau B. Lamar replaced Houston as president in December 1838, and no longer
pushed for annexation, but rather tried to strengthen the Republic of Texas as an
independent nation. Anson Jones was replaced by Richard G. Dunlap as Minister
Plenipotentiary to Washington in March 1839. Dunlap in turn was replaced by Barnard
Elliott Bee, Sr. in April 1840; he was already in the United States. Shortly
afterward, Bee traveled to South Carolina to visit family and did not return to
Washington until December, due partly to health problems. In February 1841, Bee was
instructed to try to negotiate a general treaty of amity and commerce with Spain and
its colony Cuba. Bee also dealt with the problem of Indian raids from U.S. territory
into the Republic of Texas, especially after John Tyler was inaugurated U.S.
President in April 1841 after William Henry Harrison’s death. A treaty of amity
between Texas and the U.S. was submitted to U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Webster
in July 1841. When Sam Houston was elected president again, he began to urge
annexation once more. About two weeks after his inauguration, Houston recalled Bee
on December 27, 1841, citing his multiple absences from Washington as being
"injurious to the interests of this Government and disrespectful to that of the
United States." Houston replaced him with James Reily, who arrived in Washington in
March 1842. Reily and U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Webster renegotiated the treaty
of amity, commerce, and navigation, which the United States Senate failed to ratify.
Houston reappointed Reily, but he was not confirmed because he was opposed to
annexation. By August 1842 Isaac Van Zandt was Minister Plenipotentiary (or chargé
d’affaires). The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation
in January 1843, but refused to ratify a treaty of annexation in June 1844. In
December outgoing U.S. President Tyler (after James K. Polk’s election as U.S.
President on an annexation platform) proposed that Texas be annexed by a joint
resolution of the U.S. Congress, which passed in February 1845. By this time former
Minister Plenipotentiary Anson Jones had become the last president of the Republic
of Texas (December 1844-February 1846). Jones presented two propositions to the
Congress of the Republic of Texas: one for annexation to the U.S., the other for
Mexican recognition of the Republic provided annexation did not take place. The
Texas Convention of 1845 chose annexation. In March 1846, U.S. Senator Sam Houston
was given authorization to take possession of the books, papers, and belongings of
the Legation of the Republic of Texas in Washington D.C.

The Texas legation in
Washington, D.C., headed by a Minister Plenipotentiary, conducted diplomacy between
the Republic of Texas and the United States. Records of the legation document that
diplomatic business, consisting of correspondence (272 items) and an index, dating
1835-1839, 1841, 1843-1845, and undated, bulk 1836-1839. Subjects include U.S.
recognition of Texas independence, proposals for annexation of Texas to the U.S.,
boundary issues, Native Americans, the slave trade, relations with Mexico (including
the repudiated public and secret Treaties of Velasco), the Texas Navy, financial
arrangements for loans, bonds, queries regarding land claims, emigration plans, news
of relatives supposedly in Texas, etc. Correspondents of particular note are Stephen
F. Austin (as Secretary of State of the Republic); succeeding Secretaries of State
from Texas, including James Pinckney Henderson and R.A. Irion; John Forsyth
(Secretary of State for the U.S.); James Treat (diplomatic agent for the Republic of
Texas to Mexico); William H. Wharton (first minister plenipotentiary of the Texas
legation); succeeding Texas ministers plenipotentiary Memucan Hunt and Anson Jones;
agents and personnel of the Texas Navy; financial agents for Texas; and persons of
note, such as Samuel F. B. Morse, Joel Poinsett, Robert Triplett, Thomas Toby
(acting with his brother Samuel, as Toby and Brother Company), Branch T. Archer,
Thomas Jefferson Chambers, Samuel May Williams, W. Fairfax Gray, and G.W. Hockley.
The alphabetical index links correspondents to page numbers assigned to the Legation
correspondence.

The notes in the inventory are full of references to the following: Austin Papers
(Barker, Eugene C., editor, The Austin Papers, October
1834-January 1837, The University of Texas, 1927); Garrison (George
Garrison, editor, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of
Texas, Washington, Government Printing Office, 1908-1911, 3 volumes); and
Streeter (Thomas W. Streeter, Bibliography of Texas,
1795-1845, Research Publications, 1983); also Sloan (the original
inventory compiled by Dorothy Sloan, October 2004, on which most of the individual
document "Notes" and "Contents" descriptions are based).

Arrangement of the Records

These records were at some point sewn into a book format and given page numbers by
someone unknown, in roughly chronological order. The documents are listed in this
inventory in more precisely chronological order, with the page numbers indicated. At
the end are 15 unnumbered but related items, also in chronological order, plus an
alphabetical index.

Restrictions on Access

Materials do not circulate, but may be used in the State Archives search room.
Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.

Restrictions on Use

Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted. State records also
include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains
with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright
Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).

Based on records in the Texas State Archives, following the close of the Legation
Office in 1845, Acting Secretary of State Charles Mariner, in a letter to the
newly elected U.S. Senator Sam Houston dated March 7, 1846, directed Houston, at
the request of Governor James Pinckney Henderson, to "obtain control over the books, papers, etc. belonging to the Legation of
the late Republic of Texas" that had been placed with the Office of
the U. S. Adjutant General in Washington, D.C., following the close of the
Legation. Houston did acquire custody of the records but, rather than depositing
them with the Texas Secretary of State in Austin as requested, he instead took
them to his home. From all indications, the records were passed down to Sam
Houston’s second son, Andrew Jackson Houston, who died in 1941, leaving two
daughters. In 1961, during Hurricane Carla, the house where the documents were
located was destroyed and caught on fire. Most of the extensive collection of
Texas documents in the house were rescued, and ended up in the Andrew Jackson
Houston Collection at the Texas State Archives, part of which can be identified
as records of the Republic of Texas Legation in Washington, D.C. (1839-1845).
The earlier records of the Texas Legation (1836-1839), however, were somehow
missed, and at an undetermined time came to be in the custody of other
individuals who lived in Southeast Texas. During 2004-2006, the documents were
stored in a bank vault, but prior to that they were kept in a private home and
at one point for several months, in the trunk of a car. In March 2006 the Texas
State Historical Association was offered the opportunity to auction the right of
the high bidder to select a state approved institution to exhibit and provide
researcher access to the collection for five years in accordance with the Texas
State Library and Archives Commission’s rules for the loan and exhibition of
state archives. As part of the Commission’s agreement with the association, the
collection received necessary preservation treatments prior to their placement
at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Following the end of their
loan to TCU, the Legation records were returned to the Commission for permanent
retention in the State Archives on December 6, 2012.

These records were received by the Archives and Information Services Division of
the Texas State Library and Archives Commission from the Texas State Historical
Association on June 8, 2006.

George Lincoln to William H. Wharton (Worcester, Massachusetts),
December 25,
1836[2 pages, integral address and note of
receipt.]

[Content: Recommending to Wharton the son of Levi Lincoln and mentioning
the Texas Navy; after the main letter are transcriptions of two other
recommendations. See also pages 152-153.]

[Note: This document is out of chronological
order.]

5-6

Contract, April 1,
1836[2 pages, docketed. Streeter 1237 (3 loc.). Margins chipped (loss
of most of last line on p. 1)]

[Note: Dated at end at Harrisburg, and with
printed signatures of President David G. Burnet and other Texas
officials, and the contractors, Robert Triplett and W. F. Gray.
An additional clause dated April 2, has Burnet's printed
signature.] [New Orleans: Printed by Benjamin Levy?, April 1,
1836]

[Content: Contract containing terms of a compromise of the loan
agreements of January 11 and 18, 1836. Text begins: "Whereas, Branch T. Archer, William H. Wharton,
and Stephen F. Austin, Commissioners on behalf of the Provisional
Government of Texas, obtained money from certain individuals in the
United States, upon two Loans, one for two hundred thousand Dollars,
the other for fifty thousand Dollars, upon conditions, a part of
which the Government of Texas are desirous of being relieved
from..."]

7-12

Andrew Jackson to Santa Anna (Hermitage), September 4, 1836[4-1/2 pages, Secretarial copy ( "Copy" at top of p. 1). Pages damaged at bottom with loss
of several lines on each page.]

[Content: Jackson acknowledges Santa Anna's letter of July 4, outlines
the U.S. Government's position on the Texas conflict, and remarks that
it is difficult to deal with any proposal Santa Anna puts forward since
his government has repudiated any agreement he may make while he is in
captivity.]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 143 (lists the
original letter in Austin's hand; the present document is in a
secretarial hand but signed by Austin). The Treaties of Velasco
are not in Garrison.]

[Content: Informing Wharton that Santa Anna has left for Washington, D.C.
with Barnard Bee and George W. Hockley; stating it is desirable that
Wharton meet with the President; enclosing copies of both the public and
secret versions of the Treaty of Velasco, here present and signed and
certified by Austin as Secretary of State.]

[Content: Austin tells Wharton about financial arrangements for paying
his salary and expenses as Plenipotentiary from the Republic of Texas to
Washington, D.C. and authorizes him to draw up to $5,000.]

31-34

William H. Wharton to President [Samuel] Houston (on board Steam
Boat General Gaines near Natchez), December 2, 1836[3 pages]

[Note: Similar to a letter Wharton wrote to
Austin on the same date (see Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
148-149).]

[Content: Wharton writes that he is having great difficulty communicating
consistently because of the inconvenient circumstances and comments on
the mechanism whereby Texas may become part of the U.S., including the
possibility that "the U.S. may give Mexico
what hush money she pleases." Wharton's retained copy with his
ms. note on last leaf.]

35-36

Peyton Sterling Wyatt to William H. Wharton (Alabama), December 6,
18[36][1 page, right and lower margin damaged with some loss of
letters.]

[Content: Wants Texas news; expresses his continued desire to avenge his
men fallen at Goliad and the Alamo; regrets his absence and explains he
has been in Alabama fighting in the Creek War; etc.]

[Content: Regarding annexation, transferring the Texas Army and Navy to
the U.S.; granting discretionary powers to Wharton in his role as
Plenipotentiary to the U.S. Austin begins: "It
is certainly desirable that Texas should enter the American Union at
once and undivided, but should you discover that this condition, if
positively insisted upon is likely materially to offer the main
object which is annexation, I am directed by the President to say
that you are at liberty to waive it and agree to a territorial
Government with the necessary guarantees as to a State Govt. so soon
as petitioned for. This Govt. has too much confidence in the just
and liberal principles by which the United States are governed to
doubt that full and ample justice will not be done as in every
respect." Austin advises that if Mexico is willing to give a
quit claim for Texas to the U.S., then President Houston will be
amenable to Texas entering the U.S. by that method.]

[Note: Docket on integral leaf (in Austin's
hand): "S. F. Austin to Wm. Wharton
10th Decr. 1836" and in another hand: "Hon. S. F. Austin to Hon. W. H. Wharton
Dec. 10th 1836." Not in Garrison, but see Vol. I, pp.
149-150 (publishes the text of the copy at the State Archives
without "Duplicate" at top). Not
in Austin Papers.]

[Content: Reports good progress organizing the Republic of Texas
government, Army, and Navy; excitement of populace to become part of
U.S.; recently discovered conspiracy of Native Americans in the
Nacogdoches District to join the Mexicans last spring to attack Texans
(which plot was foiled by the defeat at San Jacinto); urges Wharton to
ensure that U.S. troops continue to be stationed at Nacogdoches.]

43-46

Stephen F. Austin to William H. Wharton (Columbia), December 10,
1836

[Content: Same as above, without "Duplicate" at top.]

47-48

[Stephen Hendrickson Everitt] to William H. Wharton (Senate Hall,
Columbia, [Texas]), December 10,
1836[1 page, damaged at lower margin with loss of a few lines and
signature.]

[Note: Everitt was a signer of the Texas
Declaration of Independence.]

[Content: Forwarding letters back and forth between Washington and Texas
and mentioning that Lorenzo de Zavala may have died.]

57-58

F. T. Wells to William H. Wharton (New York), December 16, 1836[1-1/2 pages, damaged, with loss of several lines at lower
margin.]

[Content: Asks for a loan of $150 and complains that he has never been
reimbursed even one dollar for his services to Texas.]

59

Stephen F. Austin to William H. Wharton (Department of State,
Columbia, [Texas]), December 19,
1836[1 page, "No. 8" at top; Pages
59 and 60, although different letters, are both written on the same
sheet of paper, recto and verso.]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 156. Not in Austin
Papers.]

[Content: Regarding Felix Huston's news from Treviño that the Cherokee
chiefs were in Matamoros last summer; reports from interpreter Cortinez
who was been with the Cherokee around Nacogdoches; that the Cherokee had
agreed with Urrea "to appear friendly with the
Texans, until the Mexicans crossed the Guadalupe, and then they were
to march on the frontiers with five thousand warriors";
preparations for war; news that John Woodward has been appointed general
consul for the Republic at the ports of Boston, New York, Philadelphia,
and Baltimore.]

[Note: Not in Austin Papers or Garrison. This
is one of the last letters written by Austin-- only four days
before his death. Garrison (Vol. I, p. 156) states that the
letter numbered 8 [Austin to Wharton, December 19, 1836] is the
last of the numbered series from Texas. However, as can be seen,
Austin continued to practice through No. 9.]

[Content: With news that the Republic of Texas judicial system has been
established and appointments for judgeships have been conferred on James
Collinsworth, R. M. Williamson, and J. W. Robinson.]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp. 155-156. This
document is out of chronological and numerical
order.]

[Content: Informing Wharton of an illegal plot to introduce slaves into
Texas from the U.S. via the Sabine River and stating: "This attempt to evade the prohibition of the
African slave trade, contained in our constitution certainly will
not be sustained by the tribunals of this Republic, but it is also
desireable that the Govt. of the U.S. should be apprised of such
attempts to carry on a piratical commerce by her own citizens
through her territory and in American vessells. I am therefore
directed by the president to instruct you to lay this subject before
the Govt. of the U.S. and to request its co-operation on the Sabine
frontier and in the Gulf of Mexico, to enforce the laws for the
suppression of the African slave trade."]

[Content: Regarding going to Texas and taking a company of citizens; the
importance of having representatives of the Republic of Texas in large
U.S. cities; Capt. Berbeck[?] of Texian Army in Philadelphia seeking to
buy arms for Texas; etc.]

69-70

George Riber to William H. Wharton (Lancaster, [Ohio]),
December 23,
1836[1 page]

[Content: Inquiring about the prospects and climate in respect to
emigration to Texas stating that if Wharton would provide such
information, many people would relocate to Texas.]

71-72

James M. Wolfe to William H. Wharton (Washington City),
December 23,
1836[1 page]

[Content: Regarding Texas Navy ships Invincible and Brutus and their detention due to unpaid debts of $20,000
incurred by Captains Jeremiah Brown and William A. Hurd.]

73-74

Samuel May Williams to William H. Wharton (Baltimore), December 23,
1836[1 page]

[Content: Informing him that he has made arrangements with his brother
Henry Williams to furnish funds to Wharton from time to time as he may
need them.]

[Content: Expressing admiration for Texas; stating that his son L.T.
Pease escaped the Goliad Massacre; inquiring if Wharton can furnish any
information about his other son, Elisha Marshall Pease (future Governor
of Texas). See also pages 98-101]

[Note: Treat advocated annexation of Texas to
the U.S. as early as 1836 and served as Republic of Texas
diplomat to Mexico in 1839 and 1840.]

[Content: Reviewing the current situation in Texas as regards being
completely free of Mexico; stating Texas must be ready to defeat Mexico
again if need be; further informing him that Mexican war ships have
sailed from Tampico and that it is vital that the Texas Navy either
defeat the Mexican Navy or bottle them up in port in order to prevent
another land invasion, which the Mexican Army will not attempt without
naval support.]

[Content: Thanking him for news of his son, and pledging to organize
support for the Texian cause in Connecticut (to have Texas annexed to
the U.S. See also pages 75-76).]

Box

Pages

2006/385-2

102-103

John Stouffer to William H. Wharton (Baltimore), December 30,
1836[2 pages]

[Content: Seeking information on his son Henry S. Stouffer who perished
at Velasco on August 10, 1836, after serving in the Texian Army,
enquiring about his demise, and possible benefits due to his heirs.]

[Content: Asking that he approach Wharton for information such as
Austin's pamphlet that his younger brother needs to debate a question in
college about the nature of assistance that the United States gave to
Texas during its war with Mexico; long letter on historical and legal
aspects of Texas independence.]

[Content: Regarding his and Memucan Hunt's credentials as agents of Texas
to the U.S. "to be used by you in the event of
the Government of the United States refusing to receive you as
Minister"; denying that James H. Wolfe has credentials as
secretary of the legation; and lamenting the death of Texas's founder
General Stephen F. Austin ("In his death the
country has sustained an irreparable loss").]

112-113

James Collinsworth to William H. Wharton (Quintana), December 31,
1836[2 pages]

[Note: Collinsworth was a signer of the Texas
Declaration of Independence.]

[Content: Reviewing recent political developments in Texas (including his
appointment as Chief Justice); remarking that he doubts annexation will
occur any time soon; and mentioning Stephen F. Austin's death. Personal
letter with significant political content.]

[Content: Stating he has used Wharton's name as a reference for his Land
Office business and apologizing for not securing Wharton's permission in
advance.]

116-119

Thomas Jefferson Chambers to William H. Wharton (Cincinnati),
January 1,
1837[3 pages, signed in full at end of body of letter and signed
"Chambers" after a
P.S.]

[Note: Chambers was the first Anglo attorney in
Texas.]

[Content: Outlining the difficulties of obtaining munitions and supplies
for the Texan Army in the U.S.; inquiring about status of Texas
annexation in Washington; long postscript about Marguerite Preston, a
fellow South Carolinian whom he meet on board the steamboat from New
Orleans to Cincinnati.]

[Content: Regarding paying repair bills for the Invincible, and Williams' concern that he is not authorized
to pay for it in scrip although the people who made the repairs are
willing to accept scrip.]

122-123

Samuel May Williams to William H. Wharton, [Baltimore],
January 3,
1837[1 page]

[Content: Informing Wharton he is not going to New York today; enclosing
$500 in bank notes; requesting that Wharton ask Mr. Cochrane about the
cost and schedule for obtaining a 12- or 18-pounder which his brother
Henry Williams wants that he is proposing to outfit.]

124-125

F. T. Wells to William H. Wharton (New York), January 3, 1837[1 page]

[Content: Informing Wharton that Captain [Jeremiah] Brown says there is
no vacancy on the Invincible.]

[Content: Regarding going to Texas and the appointment of Mr. James
Patton as Texas's representative in Philadelphia.]

134-137

James Treat to William H. Wharton, (New York), January 5, 1837[3 pages, with integral address leaf.]

[Content: Reporting progress that the Brutus
sailed, giving personal news, mentioning the impending arrival of Samuel
May Williams; efforts to further the cause of Texas annexation, and
regretting they have not been able to meet.]

138-139

Samuel May Williams to William H. Wharton (Baltimore), January 6, 1837[1 page]

[Note: The Liberty was the first ship purchased
by the Texas Navy. Not in Nichols (Williams Papers at Rosenberg
Library, Galveston, Tex.).]

[Content: Stating that he and his brother Henry Williams think it would
be a good idea if a 12-pounder were ordered from Mr. Cochrane and two
4-pounders for use by the Texan Army; also relaying news about Toby's
legal maneuvers trying to get the Liberty
released in New Orleans.]

[Content: Unattributed and unsigned letter. The writer reports that
Mexico is not pleased that Santa Anna will be released; Bustamante is
already in Mexico; confidence that their business dealings will work out
properly; $700,000 expected in a few days; things will turn out better
than Toby might expect.]

142-143

Toby and Brother to Samuel May Williams or William H. Wharton
(New Orleans), January 24,
1837[1 page, with address on verso.]

[Note: Enclosure preceding. Enclosure is in
correct chronological order, but not this item.]

[Content: Discussing ways in which they can use scrip to pay for the
Invincible and to buy other arms and
cannons.]

152-153

George Lincoln to William H. Wharton (Worcester, Massachusetts),
January 10,
1837[1 page]

[Note: See pages 1-4.]

[Content: Stating his desire to join the Texas Navy and asking Wharton
for letters of recommendation.]

154-155

Toby and Brother to William H. Wharton (New Orleans), January 10,
1837[1-1/4 pages]

[Content: Mostly concerned with events in Mexico (news that 3,000 troops
are at Matamoros and 4,000 more at Saltillo (noting that the greater
part are convicts); Bustamante's arrival in Mexico and how that has
created much excitement; news that Col. Stephen F. Austin has died
("we were aware of his being
sick").]

156-157

Benjamin Chew Howard to William H. Wharton, January 10, 1837[1 page]

[Content: Writing in his capacity as U.S. Chairman of the Committee on
Foreign Relations, Howard requests Wharton to schedule an interview with
the Committee.]

[Content: Letter of introduction for Mr. Gaither who is publishing
something about Texas and Mexico.]

162-163

James Pinckney Henderson to William H. Wharton (Columbia,
[Texas]), January 12,
1837[2 pages]

[Note: enclosure follows.]

[Content: Enclosing additional instructions (see next document) and
relaying news that the Mexicans are amassing an army at Matamoros;
General Houston has left to re-organize the Army; these developments do
not appear to disturb the Texans because Henderson observes: "The whole country is quiet and full confidence
appears to reign in the minds of all in the government."]

164-165

James Pinckney Henderson to William H. Wharton and Memucan Hunt
(Columbia, Texas), January 12,
1837[1-1/2 pages]

[Content: Ordering William H. Wharton and Memucan Hunt to enter into
negotiations with Santa Anna before he leaves Washington to arrange for
an exchange of prisoners and outlining the conditions under which the
negotiations should be conducted.]

[Content: Extensive review of recent depredations by Native Americans
(including two people killed by Caddos presumably), stealing of
livestock and horses, and other deplorable instances of murder and
bloodshed; because the Caddos flee into U.S. territory, Wharton and Hunt
are instructed to insist to the U.S. that it keep sufficient forces
within the confines of Texas to restrain such acts.]

[Content: Outlining an elaborate scheme to introduce blacks from the West
Indies, asking how the consent of Congress might be attained, promises
he could within four months introduce from the West Indies several free
blacks as apprentices.]

[Note: Santa Anna's progress toward Washington
is commented on in a January 17, 1837, letter from Wharton to
John Forsyth in which he says that on that date Santa Anna
arrived in Washington (see Garrison Vol. I, pp.
166-167).]

[Content: Reporting on his journey to Washington [accompanying Santa
Anna] and remarking "the General is quite
well."]

178-179

George Lincoln to William H. Wharton (Worcester, Massachusetts),
January 16,
1837[1 page]

[Content: Stating that he wishes he were already afloat and that the crew
[of the Invincible] is out of sorts being
ashore with no money; Brutus sailed
Thursday; gossip including Samuel May Williams is sick in Philadelphia
and J. M. Allen is married.]

[Content: Stating that since the American Hotel is the headquarters for
the friends of Texas in New York, he requests that Wharton use his
influence to have Santa Anna visit.]

184-187

James Treat to William H. Wharton (New York), January 17, 1837[3 pages, with integral address leaf. Long P.S. written across p.
1.]

[Content: Discusses various events and people involved in the movement
for Texas recognition and annexation; comment that "neither you nor your cause is forgotten by
me"; relations with U.S.; efforts to get people to write
articles favorable to Texas.]

[Content: Announcing to Wharton that he has been appointed Minister
Plenipotentiary from Texas to the U.S. and proposing that they meet
soon.]

190-193

James Pinckney Henderson to William H. Wharton and Memucan Hunt
(Department of State, Columbia, Texas), January 21, 1837[3-1/4 pages, docketed on verso.]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
177-178.]

[Content: A lengthy review of the depredations committed by Native
Americans in Texas, especially the Caddos and Cherokee (including
recitations of several murders and the fact that General Urrea paid the
chiefs $1,000 and gave them a draft on New Orleans for arms); the
delegates are requested to urge the U.S. to place troops in the border
areas sufficient to stop the depredations.]

[Content: Recommending his friend Memucan Hunt who has been appointed
associate minister plenipotentiary and stating he is awaiting the
arrival of John Austin Wharton (recipient's brother), whereupon Hill
states he will leave for Texas.]

[Content: Enclosing a copy of express mail from New Orleans which he
advises Wharton to insert in the Globe
newspaper (the mail concerns the composition of the Texas Rail Road,
Navigation, and Banking Company).]

[Content: Significant commentary about the late Stephen F. Austin and
Santa Anna.]

204-205

John Fisher to William H. Wharton (New York), January 23, 1837[2 pages]

[Note: Fisher was a signer of the Declaration
of Independence.]

[Content: Concerning the status of the Invincible and other ships of the Texas Navy and his efforts
to return to Texas in one of them.]

206-207

Samuel May Williams to William H. Wharton (Philadelphia),
January 23,
1837[1-1/2 pages]

[Content: Containing a detailed disquisition about ships of the Texas
Navy and the amount of money it will take to get delivery of the Invincible; also, a moving paragraph about
the death of Stephen F. Austin ( "...the
truest and best friend I ever had. I wish he could have been spared
long enough to have seen the country for which he has undergone so
much and toiled so arduously declared and acknowledged free and
independent").]

208-209

John Parvin to William H. Wharton (New York), January 23, 1837[1 page]

[Content: Asking how to initiate a claim for his deceased brother, Henry
Parvin, who fell at the Goliad Massacre.]

210-211

O. H. Prince to William H. Wharton (Athens, Georgia), January 24,
1837[2 pages, lower margin damaged with loss of some words to last
few lines on page 1.]

[Note: Prince was apparently related to
Wharton.]

[Content: Attempting to arrange a mutual time for the families to get
together, and a postscript recommending that Wharton get to know W.C.
Dawson, a representative from Georgia who might well be of use to him in
the annexation question.]

[Content: Reviewing the state of the finances for paying the bills due on
the Invincible and stating that much of the
delay is due to the fact that neither he nor [Samuel May] Williams
answer their correspondence ("Mr. Williams
does not even favor us with a reply").]

[Note: Letter signed Humphrys, but index of
notebook indicates Humphries.]

[Content: Writing as first lieutenant of the Invincible, Humphrys complains bitterly about conditions
aboard the ship, including such details as being unable to retrieve
their laundry from the washer woman because they have no money, repeated
appeals from Captain [Jeremiah] Brown have fallen on deaf ears, and
unless they have a satisfactory reply within a week, the entire crew
will walk off the ship and make their way back to Texas.]

220-221

C.M. West (Bishop of the Primitive Episcopal Church) to John
Fenton (Philadelphia), January
20, 1837[2 pages]

[Content: Stating that he wishes to pursue setting up a fund for the
cause to support widows and orphans in Texas, especially those of the
departed heroes who fell in the noble struggle for liberty, one of whom
was his own brother, Edward Gardner [or Edward Garner?], who fell with
Fannin at the Goliad Massacre; West sees enormous prospects, especially
for British subjects in the expanding field of Texas; he asks, however,
that Fenton seek Wharton's approval.]

[Note: On June 28, 1836, Captain John M. Allen
(later mayor of Galveston) was granted a letter of marque and
reprisal for the schooner Terrible,
which would go on to capture the Mexican merchant ship
Matilda and would be taken in to
Pensacola by the U.S.S. Boston on
piracy charges, which were ultimately thrown out on a
technicality.]

[Content: Informing him he has been apprised of the seizure of the Texian
Schooner Terrible at New Orleans as a
pirate and asking for documentation.]

224-225

U.S. Treasury Department, First Comptroller's Office: Circular to
Collectors, Naval Officers, and Surveyors. February 17, 1838[1 page, printed but also signed.]

[Content: The Republic of Texas is placed on reciprocal favor with that
of Mexico: "...by information received from
the Department of State, it appears the fifth and sixth articles of
the Treaty with Mexico are held to be obligatory on the Republic of
Texas."]

[Content: Asking Wharton if he can check on any news about his son Daniel
D. Henrie who sailed in 1833 on the U.S. war ship Vincennes.]

236-237

William W. Gwathmey to William H. Wharton (Richmond), January 28,
1837[2 pages]

[Content: Personal letter from a friend expressing a wish to meet at some
point and exchanging news (Santa Anna is getting ready to sail; fears
that a bank stock issue in Texas will fail because the sum being raised
is too large).]

238-239

George B. McKinstry to William H. Wharton (Brazoria), January 28,
1837[1 page]

[Note: Regarding McKinstry, Stephen F. Austin
commented elsewhere (citation unknown) that he had "done as much harm to Texas as any man in
it."]

James Pinckney Henderson to William H. Wharton (Columbia,
Texas), January 29,
1837[4 pages, with integral address and
docketing.]

[Content: Letter concerned in part with a reception of the U.S.
administration's proposal for Texas annexation, military matters in
Texas, and political matters; mentions that General Rusk has not arrived
yet, tries to appease Wharton's complaints about not getting enough news
from Texas, and notes that Wharton's brother John A. and Mr.
Collinsworth have decided not to leave yet.]

243-246

James Treat to William H. Wharton (New York), January 30, 1837[3 pages, with integral address leaf.]

[Content: Long letter about internal affairs in Texas, relations with the
U.S., and including the fact that he has gotten Captain [Jeremiah] Brown
of the Invincible $320 for his use;
mentions James H. Wolfe is involved in the negotiations.]

[Note: Edwards was a notorious New York-Texas
huckster, schemer, speculator, slaverunner, and
forger.]

[Content: Trying to interest Wharton in investing in a new town on
Galveston Bay (noting that Milam assured him Wharton would be
interested), relays local news about the military and political
situation in Texas, and wonders what the outcome of Texas annexation
will be.]

[Content: Concerning discharge of the debts of the Invincible; reports that Captain [Jeremiah] Brown has good
news on that front and sends Wharton his warmest thanks for his efforts
on the crew's behalf.]

James Treat to William H. Wharton (New York), February 4, 1837[3 pages, with integral address leaf.]

[Content: Enclosing a publication of December 28, 1836 (not present) done
in Mexico City that he feels should be dealt with; further commenting on
political news around Washington; lengthy P.S. discussing Mexican
feelings toward Santa Anna.]

[Content: Stating that the balance on the Invincible perhaps could be paid off and that Colonel
Hockley might be better off putting his efforts toward finishing the
Invincible instead of purchasing new
vessels; upset that Captain Taylor has been made port captain (an office
Brown feels he deserves instead); says he is laying in supplies for a
four-month cruise.]

273-274

Toby and Brother to William H. Wharton (New Orleans), February 6,
1837[1-1/2 pages, damaged at left margin with loss of a few
letters.]

[Content: Talking about the enthusiastic reception that took place in
Mexico because of Santa Anna's release and where matters stand with the
Invincible.]

[Content: Interested in relocating to Texas, asks about citizenship
matters, acquiring land, the operation of the Texas government,
conviction that Texas will ultimately prevail.]

279-280

John M. Allen to William H. Wharton and Memucan Hunt (Washington
City), February 10,
1837[1 page]

[Note: Allen was the first mayor of Galveston,
instigated the "Charter War,"
and was with Lord Byron when he died at Missolonghi in
1824.]

[Content: Concerning his orders to procure a ship in Baltimore for the
Texas Navy but he is unable to so because the condition of the credit of
the Republic of Texas and the fact that the Invincible is still tied up in New York.]

[Content: Transmitting a transcript of An Act Supplementary to An Act for
the Punishment of Crime and Misdemeanors which provides the death
penalty for certain acts of slave smuggling. Note added at end in the
hand of William H. Wharton, who sends the letter on to another person
for use against the abolitionists.]

[Note: Sloan inventory erroneously has pages 283
and 284 as two separate documents, #112 and 111.]

285-288

William Bembeck [?] to William H. Wharton (Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania), February 11,
1837[3 pages, integral address leaf and file note by Wharton. Lower
margin damaged with loss of several words and
signature.]

[Content: Reviewing his efforts and his authority to recruit emigrants
for Texas and stating that he has in fact recruited a battalion's worth
(mostly Germans), but now although he was promised money for passage, he
learns that there is no way to transport these emigrants to Texas.]

289-290

James Pinckney Henderson to William H. Wharton and Memucan Hunt
(Department of State, Columbia, Texas), February 11, 1837[1 page]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 184.]

[Content: Telling them that President Samuel Houston has instructed them
to enter into negotiations with Santa Anna or any other authorized
Mexican agent to terminate the present war.]

291-292

Samuel May Williams to William H. Wharton (Philadelphia),
February 11,
1837[1-1/2 pages]

[Content: Stating that he has reviewed the materials they sent relative
to perhaps negotiating a treaty of amity and commerce between the
Republic of Texas and France, but declining to forward the materials to
his government.]

295-296

James J. MacKall to William H. Wharton (New Orleans), February 11,
1837[1 page, with integral address.]

[Content: Expressing his desire to introduce in the Virginia legislature
a motion to recognize the independence of Texas but noting he must delay
because of opposition to the cause, etc.]

299-300

James Tongue to William H. Wharton (Washington), February 14,
1837[1 page]

[Note: Enclosure missing.]

[Content: Enclosing a letter (not present) addressed to the delegation
from Anne Arundel County, Maryland, requesting that after Wharton has
reviewed it that he put it in the mail; also says he may send one or
more of his sons to Texas.]

[Note: In the appendix is a biography of John
Austin Wharton, but this may not be the same as Jno. A. Wharton.
John Austin Wharton seems to have been in Texas, not Virginia,
when the letter was written.]

[Content: Long letter discussing the Texas situation and Mexico;
mentioning that the expedition under General Bravo has not been
abandoned ("The result of any attempt,
however, which Mexico can make, on the Independence of Texas, it
seems, cannot be doubtfull--The Spanish American wants perseverence
& skill & it is deficient in energy & courage--Texas, it
seems, is better prepared for that combat than she has ever been
before"); praises the Texas Army and its improvement; mentions
Santa Anna is still in Washington, and discusses impending recognition
of Texas by the U.S.]

[Note: Thomas W. Gilmer, Secretary of the U.S.
Navy, died during the test firing of a new cannon on the
USS Princeton on February 28, 1844. The
town of Gilmer, Texas, is named for him.]

[Content: Thanking Wharton for the materials he has provided about Texas;
stating he is leaving next Thursday to go down the Ohio and Mississippi
to New Orleans and then to the Texas coast; includes many flattering
remarks about Texas and his belief that the threat of Mexico invading
Texas should no longer be taken seriously.]

[Content: Informing Wharton that he has opened negotiations with James
Hamilton to put the bank in operation; asking to meeting Samuel May
Williams when he arrives in Washington so that these negotiations can
get money into the country.]

[Content: Reviewing a purchase of a fraction of a league of land he and
other investors made in Milam's Grant (Bastrop and Mina) but to which
they seem unable to secure title from the seller Don Carlos Barrett and
asking if Wharton has any further information about it that could help
them, including the possibility of hiring an attorney in Texas.]

[Content: Urging the recipient to quickly make arrangements to cover the
expenses of the escort for Santa Anna to Washington, D.C.; says he is
trying to make arrangements to pay off the debt of the Invincible.]

[Content: Reports on the unpleasant difficulty (duel) which took place
between Albert Sidney Johnston and Felix Huston when the former took
charge; military and intelligence reports; discusses recent intelligence
that Mexican cavalry is massing at Matamoros to take over Bexar and
Goliad; favorable remarks about the recently founded City of Houston
(founded August 30, 1836).]

[Content: Informing Wharton that arrangements have been made to release
the Invincible, and noting that if Colonel
J. M. Wolfe will be prepared to pay the crew's expenses, she can sail
within 48 hours.]

[Content: Acknowledging receipt of certain dispatches, relaying the
President's pleasure at their performance, but more significantly
including a long review of further depredations in East Texas by the
Caddo and the Kickapoo and repeating the Texas government's request that
they again urge the United States to place troops at Nacogdoches.]

[Content: Reciting his personal references and requesting letters of
reference for his proposed move to Texas.]

327-328

James [?] Hamilton to William H. Wharton (Charleston), February 22,
1837[2 pages]

[Note: Hamilton was Financial Agent for the
Republic of Texas.]

[Content: Discussing U.S. debate over recognition of Texas's
independence, and stating that for personal reasons he cannot accept
command of the Army of Texas which Texas Congress offered him.
(Difficult handwriting and damage).]

[Note: Bee escorted Santa Anna from Texas to
Washington, and subsequently went to Mexico to try to obtain
recognition of Texas.]

[Content: Discussing Texas finances and the relationship between the
captive Santa Anna; negotiations for recognition of Texas by the U.S.
(including the possibility that Texas can merely purchase its
recognition from Mexico).]

[Content: Saying he is seriously thinking about going to Texas and would
like to know what grants of land are available and how to go about
securing them; states he would rather live near the ocean and that for
the last ten years he has been a dealer of vessels and ship timbers;
finally remarks that Texas should build a navy and he could be
instrumental in establishing a navy yard and building ships at low
cost.]

335-336

James M. Wolfe to William H. Wharton (New York), February 25,
1837[1 page]

[Content: Stating the Invincible was put to
sea today with orders to go to Galveston.]

[Content: Stating he plans to come for a visit; expressing regret that
the question of recognition of Texas is not going well in Congress but
he is not worried and will do anything he can for Texas ("You may rely upon me for what I am worth in any
capacity or in any situation and at all times").]

339-340

John Richardson to William H. Wharton (Liberty, Virginia),
February 27,
1837[1 page]

[Content: Requesting information about Texas because he and several of
his friends are thinking of emigrating and laments "the scarcity of printed information upon this
subject," and requests a reply at Wharton's leisure.]

[Note: A revealing look at the financial
difficulties of the Texas Navy. Jeremiah Brown was the captain
of the Invincible, said to be the
finest ship of the Texas Navy.]

[Content: Informing him that his brother is escorting his wife to
Charlotte Court House and requesting that they provide her $100 or $150
because she is destitute; he also states that the Invincible has sailed in complete repair, but only partially
manned.]

343-344

James Pinckney Henderson to Memucan Hunt (Department of State,
Columbia, Texas), February 28,
1837[2 pages, with P.S. written and signed by
Henderson]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
194-195.]

[Content: Informing that Wharton has resigned; Hunt has been appointed to
replace him; orders Hunt "You will receive
from that Honbl. Gentleman [Wharton] all of the official documents
in his hands in any way connected with his and your Mission which he
has been instructed to deliver to you"; need to establish
frequent and easy communication between the U.S. and Texas (proposed
regular mail lines at border, Gaines Ferry, Ballews Ferry); P.S.
[unpublished?] more on proposed mail routes.]

345-346

James Pinckney Henderson to William H. Wharton, (Department of
State, Columbia, Texas), February 28, 1837[1 page]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 200.]

[Content: Informing him that the President regretfully accepts his
resignation and telling him to hand over to Memucan Hunt all official
papers in his hands.]

[Content: Informing him that William H. Wharton has resigned; that he has
resigned as attorney general to become Secretary of State; the
controversy between Albert Sidney Johnston and Felix Huston has been
settled amiably; Johnston is still in command.]

349-350

Toby and Brother to William H. Wharton (New Orleans), February 28,
1837[1-1/8 pages]

[Content: Conveying news about the thriving state of the Texas Army and
political developments in Mexico, especially the potential reception of
Santa Anna; stating that the entire Mexican fleet has been put to sea to
prevent Santa Anna from landing.]

[Content: Explaining that a resolution he put forth in the Virginia
Legislature to recognize Texas independence was defeated; included is a
certified copy of the Virginia House of Delegates, February 28, 1837,
explanation that the resolution was defeated merely because they believe
the subject should be taken up by the U.S. Congress and not because they
believe Texas should not be recognized.]

[Content: Informing him that he has just received a letter from Branch T.
Archer, directing that Wharton be given $2,000 on Archer's account and
that he will see to this as soon as possible.]

359-360

Robert John Walker to Memucan Hunt and William H. Wharton
(Washington City), March 4,
1837[2 pages]

[Content: Declining their offer to place his bust in the capitol of Texas
in recognition of his efforts to get Texas recognized (the majority of
the letter is taken up with a warm, effusive compliment to the two
gentlemen and the Republic of Texas).]

[Note: The capture of the Pocket was an important event in Texas maritime
history and forced Texas to conduct its naval operations in a
more formal and diplomatic way. See Streeter 121 re: Fisher, who
was a signer of the Texas Declaration of
Independence.]

[Content: Reporting unofficially on what he saw aboard the brig Pocket which was captured as a prize (among
the things found were commissions for Mexican officers, plans of
Galveston, letters to Santa Anna on how to conduct combat with
Americans, etc.); denouncement of Captain Hawes (Captain of the Pocket).]

[Content: Sending description and diagram of a new type of cannon shell
which he is offering for the use of the Texas Army and Navy. Two-line
testimonial as to the shell and its efficacy on reverse, signed by Isaac
Kimball and James De Bois.]

[Content: Congratulating him on the recognition of Texas and personal
comments.]

381-382

Col. John Campbell to Memucan Hunt and William H. Wharton (no
place), March 9,
1837[2 pages]

[Content: Offering a manuscript volume of materials concerning the U.S.
Treasury Department he has collected, hoping they will be of use to the
infant republic (these appear to be copies, not originals).]

[Content: Requesting Wharton and Hunt to be at the Department of State
noon the next day so that Forsyth can examine their credentials and
arrange for a time to introduce them to the President.]

385-386

James Treat to William H. Wharton (New York), March 10, 1837[2 pages]

[Content: Reviewing a multitude of matters and questions; stating he
arrived Monday and found his clerk sick, an enormous number of
unanswered letters, and unfinished business; his main question to
Wharton is if an agent for Texas has been confirmed, and if so, is it
[Henry Stuart?] Foote or [Alcée] LaBranche; and more.]

[Content: Informing them that because their credentials are not in the
usual form the President cannot receive them personally but assuring
them that such formalities do not negate the fact that the U.S.
recognizes Texas independence; the Texan flag is entitled to the same
privileges as the Mexican flag; etc.]

[Content: Reiterating that news of Indian depredations continue to arrive
at the capital on a weekly basis, the latest being that Congressman
Robinson [i.e., John G. Robison] and five other persons have been
murdered by Caddo tribesmen; he again urges that the United States
station at least five hundred men on the Brazos and Red Rivers.]

[Content: Personal letter inquiring about news since he arrived in
Washington; states the Texas Army is increasing rapidly; asks Hunt to
write him frequently and that he will assist however he can; refers to
instructions and the April 5, 1831 treaty between Mexico and the U.S.
(neither of which is present with the letter).]

397-398

John Woodward to William H. Wharton and Memucan Hunt (New York),
March 18,
1837[1 page]

[Content: Asking if his commission as consul general for recognition has
been received.]

399-400

William H. Ellis to William H. Wharton (Canandaigua, Ontario
County, New York), March 18,
1837[1 page, docket on verso.]

[Content: Stating he is thinking of moving to Texas and asking about land
available and what things the potential emigrant should bring.]

[Content: Stating that their communication concerning Indian depredations
has made its way to the Secretary of War and that the Secretary believes
that the present configuration of troops is better for containing
attacks than if the troops were concentrated at Nacogdoches.]

405-406

William C. Montross [?] to William H. Wharton (Nunda Valley,
Livingston County, New York), March 21, 1837[2 pages]

[Content: Requesting information about lands in Texas, how one acquires
title, and asking what inducements exist to persons who wish to remove
to Texas.]

[Content: Enclosing his letters of credence, hoping that the form is
correct.]

411-412

William L. Lambeth to William H. Wharton (Lynchburg, Virginia),
April 10,
1837[2 pages]

[Content: Asking what would be the arrangements if a company of
volunteers marched to Texas and wished to join the army, whether such a
company would be entitled to land, what type of arms should they take,
and what would be best route.]

413-414

John Forsyth to Fairfax Catlett (Department of State,
Washington), April 14,
1837[2 pages, some damage to margins.]

[Content: Stating that the Republic of Texas's proposal to station troops
on the frontier has been sent to the Secretary of War and a copy (not
present) of his reply is included and that the proposal about postal
routes between the U.S. and Texas has been sent to U.S. Postmaster.]

415-416

M. D. Jones to John Forsyth (Consulate of the U.S.A., Mexico
[City]), March 28,
1837[2 pages, some damage and slight loss at lower margin. Letter in
secretarial hand. "Extract" at top
of page.]

[Note: This development was reported by Catlett
to Henderson on April 29, 1837. Garrison, Vol. I, pp. 212-213;
also see Catlett's report, Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
211-212.]

[Content: Revealing that in a secret session of the Mexican Congress last
Saturday night there was a proposal to sell Texas to England at 25 cents
an acre to pay on the debt which is about $68,000,000; the Mexicans have
been in negotiations with Rubio [the commercial house that had a flag on
the Pocket] and others for a monthly loan
of $480,000.]

[Note: This item is bound out of order in the
notebook and actually goes with pages 413-414, Forsyth's April
14 letter to Catlett.]

[Content: Stating that he has reviewed the request of the Texas legation
for deployment of troops to Nacogdoches to restrain the Caddo and
Kickapoo attacks but believes there are posts other than Nacogdoches
that can be better occupied for the purpose.]

[Content: Covering a wide range of topics such as efforts to prevent
Cuban slaves being smuggled into the Republic, continued Caddo
depredations aided by Holland Coffee, who trades with them and fences
their stolen goods, and the fact he has been asked to be ambassador to
England but is inclined to decline; states that Hunt need not keep this
in his official files since it contains personal news.]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 230 (but as
published includes a P.S. by Catlett not present
here).]

[Content: Stating that the U.S. has learned that Texas has opened a land
office and is selling off land in Miller County, Arkansas, and further
requesting that such sales cease until the boundaries can be properly
run.]

435-442

Robert Anderson Irion to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, City
of Houston), June 26,
1837[6-1/2 pages, plus docket.]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
232-234.]

[Content: Written by Irion in his capacity as Secretary of State of the
Republic of Texas, directing his attention to several important matters:
a) running the boundary line between the U.S. and Texas, but only on the
Sabine River, according to Melish's map; b) suppression of Holland
Coffee's trading house which is encouraging Caddo raids; c) Texas being
annexed by the U.S., but if not annexed, make a territory.]

443-446

[H. O. Dayton] to Memucan Hunt [Washington], July 3, 1837[1 page]

[Content: Unsigned letter written in the name of U.S. Acting Secretary of
State, saying he would be happy to see Hunt today.]

[Content: Stating that the President wishes to see him in order to accept
his credentials, and that if he will come to the Department of State on
the 6th, just before noon, that Dayton will accompany him to see the
President.]

[Content: Asking Hunt to provide a list of the members of the Texas
Legation and their domestics.]

451-452

John Forsyth to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, Washington),
July 24,
1837[2 pages]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 26
(Calendar).]

[Content: Informing him that he is forwarding to the Department of War
Hunt's letter complaining of depredations against Texas by Indians from
the U.S. and Holland Coffee's trading post.]

453-456

Robert Anderson Irion to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, City
of Houston), July 14,
1837[2-1/2 pages, plus integral address leaf.]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
241-242.]

[Content: Written by Irion in his capacity as Secretary of State of the
Republic of Texas, addressing the Red River Land District, which the
U.S. claims for Arkansas; he hesitates to make a decision on a matter of
such importance (boundary) to both countries without the input of
President Houston.]

[Content: Regarding the U.S.'s determination to frustrate the
introduction of "African negroes"
through the U.S. as a stratagem to avoid Texas's importation laws by
supposedly landing the slaves first in the U.S. which would make them
technically legal to bring into Texas.]

461-462

John Forsyth to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, Washington),
July 29,
1837[1-1/4 pages]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 126
(Calendar).]

[Content: Requesting more particular information on the plot to introduce
slaves illegally into Texas.]

[Note: This is probably the letter referred to
in Forsyth's July 29 communication to Hunt (pages 461-462) as
being enclosed.]

[Content: Requesting more specific information about Indian depredations
in East Texas and stating that Holland Coffee's activities are under
investigation and he will lose his license if improper use of his
establishment is made.]

[Content: Stating that officials on the frontier have checked into the
charges about Indian depredations but that the Caddo deny any
involvement, but that it is believed that perhaps stragglers from the
tribe had been the culprits.]

469-470

Robert Anderson Irion to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, City
of Houston), August 13,
1837[1 page]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 258.]

[Content: Written by Irion in his capacity as Secretary of State of the
Republic of Texas, authorizing Hunt to confer with Colonel Peter W.
Grayson about Texas annexation.]

471-474

Robert Anderson Irion to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, City
of Houston), August 13,
1837[2-1/4 pages, integral address leaf.]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
256-257.]

[Content: Concerning issues regarding annexation and boundaries;
instructions to try to get Texas annexed to the U.S. either as a state
or a territory with some provision made for money to cover Texas's
national debt; insistence that the southwest boundary is the Rio Grande;
and stating that nothing should be done to aggravate the controversy
about the Arkansas Land Office [Miller County, Arkansas].]

[Note: Not in Garrison, but see Vol. I, p. 258
(not transcribed but alluded to in footnote (a); also Garrison,
Calendar (Vol. I, p. 27).]

[Content: Long, detailed review of why the U.S. cannot annex Texas, as
desirable as that might be, the chief reason being that the U.S. and
Mexico have a treaty of amity and commerce that precludes any annexation
by the U.S.]

[Content: Assuring Hunt that the Secretary of War will establish a
military post on the Sabine River and that a naval cruiser will patrol
the mouth of the river, both of which actions are intended to prevent
"the landing of African negroes" in
the U.S.]

493-494

John Forsyth to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, Washington),
August 5,
1837[1 page]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 26
(Calendar).]

[Content: Transmitted copy of a letter (not present) of the Department of
War concerning their investigations into the depredations in East
Texas.]

[Content: Confirming Thomas Toby's appointment as consul from the
Republic of Texas to New Orleans.]

497-504

Robert Anderson Irion to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, City
of Houston), December 31,
1837[8 pages]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p.
277-281.]

[Content: Long letter in which Irion laments the U.S. will apparently not
annex Texas, partly because of fierce opposition from the northeast
states; Irion prophesizes that if the U.S. fails to annex Texas, it will
find itself the neighbor of a country that will extend all the way to
the Pacific ("...this now small Republic will
embrace the shores of the Pacific as well as those of the Gulf of
Mexico; presenting to them the spectacle of an immense cotton and
sugar growing nation in intimate connection with England, and other
commercial and manufacturing countries of Europe, whose relations
shall have been permanently adjusted on equitable principles of
reciprocal interest..."); that Texas's first priority after
having emancipated itself from "Mexican
tyranny" was to restore its territory to the rightful
owner--the U.S.; that now probably no Texas administration will
entertain the idea of annexation again; concludes by observing that
relations with Native Americans in East Texas have improved, that
Holland Coffee has been cleared of any wrongdoing, and that Memucan Hunt
should not raise the matter again with the U.S.]

Box

Pages

2006/385-6

505-506

[Tennessee General Assembly], printed copy of two resolutions,
each with printed signatures of John Cocke (Speaker of the House of
Representatives) and Terry H. Cahal (Speaker of the Senate): (1)
Preamble and Resolution in Favor of the Annexation of Texas to the
United States (passed January 20th, 1838) and (2) Resolution Instructing
our Senators in Congress, and requesting our Representatives, to
endeavor to procure the passage of a law, providing for the payment of
the Tennessee Volunteers of 1836 (adopted in the House of
Representatives, January 3, 1838; concurred in by the Senate, January 4,
1838), January
1838[1 page]

[Note: Perhaps printed in Washington and
distributed to official persons. Not in Streeter. For a related
item, see pages 507-508.]

[Content: Preamble and Resolution in Favor of the Annexation of Texas to
the United States.]

[Content: Printed letter of transmittal for Preamble and
Resolutions.]

509-510

John Forsyth to [Memucan Hunt] (Department of State,
Washington), February 19,
1838[1 page]

[Content: Stating that he understands that Sandy Harris has become Hunt's
secretary.]

511-512

John Forsyth to [Memucan Hunt] (Department of State, Washington),
February 21,
1838[1-1/2 pages]

[Content: Enclosing a copy of the circular from the first comptroller of
U.S. Treasury addressed to customs officers instructing them to give the
vessels and productions of Texas the benefits of the 5th and 6th
articles of the treaty between the U.S. and Mexico.]

[Note: From the Handbook of Texas: In 1838 the
Republic of Texas failed to accept an offer from Samuel F.B.
Morse to give his new invention to that new nation. Morse,
receiving no reply to his offer, withdrew it in a letter to
Governor Sam Houston in 1860. His model instrument is kept in
the State Archives Building at Austin. (This statement is
incorrect, the result of misidentification.)
The use of the telegraph for communication in Texas, which
preceded the railroads and telephone as a national network,
began with the chartering of the Texas and Red River Telegraph
Company on January 5, 1854.]

[Content: Morse offers the Republic of Texas the exclusive use of the
telegraph which he invented: "wishing to show
some evidence of my interest in the rise and character of the new
and independent state which you represent, I take this opportunity
to offer unconditionally for the acceptance of your government the
perpetual use of my electro-magnetic telegraph in the State of
Texas" which he says is the single exception he has made of
this type.]

[Content: Inquiring to see whether Catlett can confirm the death of Evan
Rice Evans in Houston on the 27th of October last year.]

533-536

Robert Anderson Irion to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, City
of Houston), March 21,
1838[3-1/4 pages]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
318-320.]

[Content: Deploring the relations between the U.S. and Texas with regard
to the boundary caused by apparent misunderstandings between
representatives; asking Hunt to see if he can get the U.S. to run the
boundary up to a point near the Red River; reporting that Great Britain
has not yet recognized Texan independence; and reporting that "emigration was immense" during the last
winter; he concludes: "The depressed condition
of the Enemy, and the rapid increase of our population have tended
greatly to render the people indifferent to annexation."]

537-540

Robert Anderson Irion to Memucan Hunt, March 21, 1838[2-1/2 pages, with docket.]

[Content: Expressing anxiety about the boundary question between Texas
and the U.S. and urging him to try to prevent the U.S. from running the
boundary past the 42nd degree of north latitude because that country is
a wilderness of savages and will not be settled for many years to
come.]

541-546

Robert Anderson Irion to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, City
of Houston), May 18,
1838[4-1/2 pages]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
327-320.]

[Content: Reporting that the Texas Congress has considered the problem of
the disputed territory on the Red River and suggests that Texas suspend
its laws there; discussing certain ideas about running the western
boundary lines, and how that might work among Mexico, Texas, and the
U.S.; noting indemnities will be granted to persons damaged in the
capture of the Pocket and
stating it will be desirable if the treaty between the U.S. and Mexico
was delayed.]

547-548

Robert Anderson Irion to Memucan Hunt (Department of State, City
of Houston), May 19,
1838[1 page]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
329-330.]

[Content: Stating that if the U.S. Congress adjourns without acting on
Texas annexation, then the Texas Legation should withdraw the
proposal.]

549-550

John Forsyth to Memucan Hunt, (Department of State, Washington),
May 23,
1838[2 pages]

[Note: Hunt resigned on June 5,
1838.]

[Content: Acknowledging that Hunt is going to be absent and Fairfax
Catlett will be taking over his duties.]

[Content: Requesting that he forward an unspecified memorial by Manney to
the President of Texas and that any response be forwarded to him;
inquiring on what rivers in Texas there are steamboats; informing
Catlett that he is a doctor and asking if there is surveying work in
Texas for William Bryan Hellen.]

563-564

John Forsyth to Fairfax Catlett (Department of State,
Washington), June 28,
1838[2 pages]

[Content: Acknowledges the documents acknowledging the appointment of
Charles W. Forbes to be vice-consul of Texas to New York.]

[Note: This is the earliest evidence of what
would become a significant career in the Texas Navy. See
Handbook where we learn Tod's appointment was made in July 1839;
and "...he lobbied the state
department for annexation, although he apparently was not
acting in any official capacity. In 1845 he returned to
Texas carrying the official notification of
annexation."]

[Content: Recommending J. G. Tod for employment as an officer in the
Texas Navy and requesting that Catlett follow up on Wharton's previous
request for documents.]

567-568

John Forsyth to Fairfax Catlett (Department of State,
Washington), July 5,
1838[2 pages]

[Note: Not in Garrison, but see Vol. I, pp.
336-337.]

[Content: Concerning settling the claims for the brigs Pocket and Durango and requesting that he come to the Department of
State the next day to exchange documents.]

569-570

Robert Anderson Irion to Anson Jones (Department of State, City
of Houston), August [?],
1838[1-1/2 pages]

[Note: Newell was the Texas consul to
Velasco.]

[Content: Urging that despite whatever negative information may heard,
Stewart Newell is a friend of Texas.]

571-574

Robert Anderson Irion to Anson Jones (Department of State, City
of Houston), August 7,
1838[3 pages, plus the address and red blob of sealing
wax.]

[Content: Irion expresses satisfaction on hearing from Mr. Catlett that
the indemnity offered for the capture of the Pocket and the impressment of the Durango has been ratified by the U.S.;
discusses the withdrawal of the annexation proposal; asks Jones to press
on the appointment of commissioners for a Northeastern loan, the
commission to meet in New Orleans; expresses gratification that the U.S.
is increasing its troop strength on the Southwestern frontier; refers to
General Gaines and his "experience,
discretion, and great energy"; says that the Indians,
particularly the Caddos, are a greater danger to Texas than the
Mexicans; says that rumors of hostilities in the West seem to be
confined to robbers and are not of a national character; and reports
that General Henderson has arrived in France but nothing has been
concluded. In a postscript, he says that it is expected that Jones will
offer every assistance to the commissioners who are authorized to make
the loan. He then adds that Sam. M. Williams has been appointed Navy
Agent in place of the late Colonel Grayson.]

[Content: Inquiring about the estate of his brother Joshua Barstow who
fought in the Battle of San Jacinto and who died on September 28, 1836,
while guarding Santa Anna at the home of Dr. Phelps at Orizimba; he also
inquires about any bounty lands due his brother.]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, p. 348. The very next
day Jones withdrew Texas's request to be annexed.]

[Content: Stating that that the Department of State is ready to exchange
ratifications for the boundary convention. Jones had sent a note wanting
to know when Vail wanted to meet about the matter. Vail proposes that
they meet the following day at noon at the State Department for the
exchange.]

593-596

TEXAS (Republic) and UNITED STATES (Department of State).
[Printed half title]: Convention between the United States of America
and the Republic of Texas, for Marking the Boundary between them.
Concluded April 25, 1838; Ratifications Exchanged October 13, 1838.
[text commences]: Convention between the United States of America and
the Republic of Texas, for Marking the Boundary between them... [Signed
in print at conclusion]: [L.S.] John Forsyth, [L.S.] Memucan Hunt.
October 13,
1838[4 pages]

[Note: Not in Streeter.]

[Content: Printed copy, with title page: "Convention between the United States of America and the Republic of
Texas, for Marking the Boundary between them." Possibly
attachments to previous item, pages 589-592. The boundary is to be run
from the mouth of the Sabine to the Red River.]

[Content: Informing him that he is enclosing the official qualifications
for Henry H. Williams, as Republic of Texas consul for Baltimore.]

Box

Pages

2006/385-7

601-604

John Day Andrews to Anson Jones (Hanover Court House,
[Virginia]), October 20,
1838[3 pages, with integral address leaf and
docket.]

[Note: from a leading early citizen of
Houston.]

[Content: Thanking him for his previous letter on the subject of slavery
in Texas; requesting information about properly importing slaves to
Texas; expressing the opinion that Texas will not be able to be
developed without the continuance and expansion of slavery; pledging
that if he can be assured of safety, he will bring his slaves to
Texas.]

605-608

Robert Strange to [Anson Jones] (Fayetteville, North Carolina),
October 23,
1838[1-1/4 pages, with an address leaf, docketed.]

[Content: Inquiring about the method for the heirs of William S. Tutor to
apply for his bounty lands.]

609-610

Alex Enriquez to [Anson Jones] (New York), October 26, 1838[1 page]

[Content: Writing on the advice of Fairfax Catlett regarding
employment.]

[Content: Submitting papers (not present) reviewing the circumstances of
Thomas Hastings' death and informing him that General E. Root is
handling the estate.]

615-622

Robert Anderson Irion to Anson Jones (Department of State, City
of Houston), November 29,
1838[6 pages, with an address leaf.]

[Content: Most of the letter is devoted to lengthy discussions of the
boundary line and of Pedro Miracle's Journal and the evidence of a
Mexican-Indian conspiracy. President Houston was gratified by the
ratification of the Treaty of Limits and anxious to have the surveying
work begin right away. Indian disturbances, specifically the Caddos,
continue to plague Texas. Irion hopes that the U.S. is not indifferent
to Indian encroachment in Texas from the United States. A brief
discussion of the French blockade on Mexico and how it might affect
Texas. Samuel Williams has contracted for five warships, which will
force Mexico to acknowledge Texas independence. P.S. Catlett
resigned.]

[Note: Numbers legible only on pages 623-628,
and pages 637-638. Garrison, Vol. I, p. 27 (Calendar). For
discussion of Miracle's journal, see Irion to Jones, November
29, 1838 (Garrison, Vol. I, p. 350-354). UT Arlington has a
version of Miracle's journal in the Irion Papers. Interesting
chapter on the clash of cultures between the Republic of Texas,
Mexico, and Native Americans. In May 1837, General Filisola,
Commander in Matamoros, sent Julián Pedro Miracle into Texas to
contact Mexicans and Native Americans to prepare to attack the
Texans in the spring or summer of 1838. Supplies including:
powder, lead, and tobacco would be supplied by Mexico. Miracle
had with him 72 Mexicans, 34 soldiers, and 20 Indians who were
Cherokees and Caddos. In June, they met Manuel Flores at the San
Antonio River and on July 5 with Vicente Cordova (see in
appendix Cordova Rebellion) at the Trinity River. Miracle also
met with representatives of the Cherokee, Delaware, Shawnee,
Kickapoo, Chickasaw, Caddo, Waco, Kichai, and Tawakoni
Indians.]

[Content: Contemporary secretarial transcription and translation in
English of a portion of the 1838 diary of Julián Pedro Miracle,
including some instructions from Filisola.]

639-642

John Forsyth to José María de Castillo y Lanzas (Department of
State, Washington), October 22,
1835[2-1/2 pages, docketed as enclosed with Forsyth to Jones, December 3,
1838.]

[Note: Enclosure in next item, therefore out of
chronological order. Secretarial copy of a letter.]

[Content: Explaining the United States position on hostile Native
Americans, stating that before the United States can act, some proof
must be given that the tribes are hostile.]

[Content: Stating he has received his note on the 26th about Native
Americans who emigrated from the U.S. to Texas and who are combining
with other tribes to commit atrocities in Texas; explaining the
government's position and enclosing the Department of State's October
22, 1835, communication to the Mexican government about their relations
with Native Americans along their mutual borders.]

[Note: No one by the name of John Lawson is
found in the Handbook, Defenders of the Republic of Texas,
Miller, Bounty and Donation Land Grants, or Groneman's Alamo
Defenders. No entry in Republic of Texas claims.]

[Content: About his brother-in-law John Lawson who supposedly perished at
the Alamo next to David Crockett and wondering how he might claim any
bounty lands.]

[Content: Informing Jones that Texas Congress has accepted the withdrawal
of the annexation proposal and that nothing further need be done;
reviewing events with the border war in East Texas with the Indians
stating that Caddos have been found killed in recent battles and that
General Rusk crossed the Sabine in pursuit.]

Stephen F. Austin to W. H. Wharton: "General Instructions to the Hon. W. H.
Wharton Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States of
America," (Columbia), November 18, 1836[18 pages, including cover sheet]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
127-135.]

[Content: Wharton is instructed that his most important objects are
the recognition of the independence of the Republic of Texas and the
annexation of Texas to the United States; establishing the
boundaries, particularly those along the Red River; the proposal to
eventually subdivide Texas into several states; concerning
negotiations for Native Americans within Texas (preferably having
all those around the Red River removed to south of the Rio Grande);
addressing the potential problems of land claims and slavery in
Texas.]

2

Stephen F. Austin to W. H. Wharton: "Private and Special Instructions to the
Hon. W. H. Wharton Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States
of America" (Columbia), November 18, 1836[11 pages, including cover sheet]

[Note: Garrison, Vol. I, pp.
135-140.]

[Content: In these instructions, Austin warns Wharton that the
question of annexation is complicated because many people in Texas
really are not in favor of it, and it is influenced by
considerations of foreign policy and Texas's potential relations
with other independent nations, such as Mexico and England. He also
warns him to try to address the question of Native Americans so that
they are no threat to the eastern part of Texas and that he should
make every effort to have the eastern border run in a favorable
conformation to Texas. Austin's added instructions at the end govern
Wharton's conduct toward foreign ministers that he will meet in
Washington. Signed twice by Austin (body of document in secretarial
hand, signed at end "S. F. Austin Secy of
State" followed by a one-half page addendum in Austin's
hand and again signed by him.]

[Content: These instructions while repeating the large outlines of
the previous ones given to Wharton pay more attention to certain
arguments for annexation, such as the vast riches that Texas would
bring to the U.S., its potential key role in defense (including
shipbuilding), and being a buffer against Native American
depredations.]

4

Robert Anderson Irion (Department of State, City of Houston)
to Anson Jones, July 12,
1838 [2 1/2 pages, margins damaged with loss of several
words and letters.]

[Note: Page number 56_? legible on first
page, but no other page numbers legible. Index lists first
page as 568 1/8.]

[Content: Stating Jones has been appointed Republic of Texas Minister
Plenipotentiary to the U.S.; ordering that "you will on your arrival
there [Washington, D.C.] take possession of the archives, documents,
papers, etc. that belong to the Texian legation"; giving further
instructions, some of which concern annexation.]

[Content: Just arrived from New Orleans. He is interested in Texas
securities and has heard contradictory reports; he is very anxious
to get good information, as his investments have already embarrassed
him much.]

7

J.C. Spencer to Isaac Van Zandt, January [?] 18, 1843[1 page]

[Content: Spencer sends Van Zandt draft of a treaty, as promised. It
has been communicated to [?] with instructions to proceed at once to
the Waco village and to be there by March 10.]

[Content: Parker, in absence of Secretary of War, answers Upshur's
letter of August 17 by sending a copy of extract of report of
Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Secretary of War confirms views of
Commissioner and has given instructions on treating with wild
Indians referred to by chargé d'affaires of Texas..]

[Content: Telling Van Zandt that as far as the Cherokee are
concerned, he should employ a Cherokee by the name of Dutch, once a
chief among the Western Cherokee and a force among the Texas
Cherokee; Logan believes Dutch can probably negotiate a peaceful
ending to the conflicts around the Red River; suggests that James
Starr and Stand Watie be enlisted to assist in negotiations; states
his "long experience among the Indian
Tribes, and my deep anxiety for the inhabitants of Texas, and my
personal knowledge of that frontier."]

11

Ashbel Smith to Charles H. Raymond, February 11, 1845[4 pages]

[Content: Urging him to work for the annexation of Texas; and
concerning Texas appointments to the U.S. government..]

[Note: Secretarial letter. Garrison, Vol. 2,
pp. 358-359.]

12

E.D. Whitney and Co. (Philadelphia) to Barnard E. Bee
(Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Texas), August [no day, no year]
[2 pages]

[Content: Long article headed "Republic of Texas" in Pennsylvania Enquirer published August
11, quotes Commissioner for obtaining loans, General [James]
Hamilton, as saying that negotiations have for the present ceased.
He has reason to believe this is not true and would like
verification.]

[Content: "I have not the least objection
to endeavor [to] get access to the operation of the gun in
question [from?] Mr. Brower....The inv[entor] to my knowledge
had his mind fixed on anoth[er] than Texas for the sale of his
new engine...."]

14

R.W. Bar[ton] (House of Representatives) to B.E. Bee,
undated [but between
March 1841 and March 1843][1 page]